Bentley Conti GTC cops a dose of Speed

Bentley has launched its updated Continental GTC line-up, which is now topped by the pumped-up Speed variant -- billed as the marque's most powerful convertible to date.

Powered by the same uprated 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 as its Speed-badged Flying Spur and Conti GT counterparts, the GTC Speed's 448kW output is sufficient for a claimed top whack of 322km/h -- and it can touch a bouffant-bashing 312km/h even with the ragtop stowed away.

Perhaps more relevant is the fact that the GTC Speed can knock off the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8sec, while 160km/h flashes past in a scant 10.5sec.

Visual clues that distinguish the Speed from the bogger GTC include 9.5x20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bentley-bespoke Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres, wider twin-rifled exhaust tail pipes and a new boot-mounted lip spoiler that's claimed to enhance high-speed stability.

The flagship is further distinguished by the dark-tinted matrix that adorns the radiator and lower air intake grilles.

As per the standard GTC, the six-speed auto can be left in two fully automatic modes (Drive and Sport) or used as a pseudo-sequential unit, whereby the driver can change manually, via either the gearlever or paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

The GTC Speed's suspension is lowered by 10mm at the front and 15mm at the rear for sharper responses, while the retuned speed-sensitive steering system is said to benefit steering response.

The ESP thresholds of the GTC Speed have also been raised vis-à-vis the standard car in order to serve up a sportier driving experience.

As you'd expect of a performance-oriented range-topper, the Speed gains a host of interior goodies such as a three-spoke sports steering wheel, drilled alloy sport foot-pedals, knurled chrome and hide gear lever, diamond quilted hide trim and optional turned aluminium inserts on the fascia, centre console and door pad inserts.

Incidentally, the 'Speed' moniker has great historical significance for Bentley as it was previously used on the venerable brand's sporting models from the 1920s.

Meanwhile, the standard GTC has also been the recipient of a minor mid-life nip-tuck, gaining a more upright radiator grille with a more pronounced square edge -- accentuating the Bentley profile -- and bolder lower air intake.

The latest model is further distinguished by chrome headlamp bezels, along with the availability of two new exterior paints and a new colour hide.

Ride comfort is claimed to benefit from new low-friction dampers, while the options list now includes lightweight, fade-resistant, carbon-ceramic brakes (billed as the largest brakes offered in any production car on the market).

There's also a 'follow-to-stop' Adaptive Cruise Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.

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